Back in the Race: Day 1 of 70.3 New York Training

I need to stop saying I am not going to race again because here we are, day 1 of 70.3 New York training.

If you were unsure if your marketing is working, I have news for you: it is. About a month ago, I received an email from Ironman letting me know that 70.3 NY was 80% full. I said to myself, "Good for them. Have fun. It doesn't matter to me, I'm not racing this year." I resolved that because the NYC Tri was canceled, I was not going to look for another race. I'm done, I said. A week later, I received another email saying the 70.3 NY was 90% full.

 I thought about it all day. I went to the website and put the race in my cart. I told The Husband, he said nothing. I told a few random clients, they were like, "What is that?" I told Wifey, and she aptly reminded me that I was not going to do another half Ironman. "Remember how you suffered last year? You said never again." Nothing like a good friend to remind you of everything you have ever said. "What's a little pain," I said.

I have been racing triathlons for 12 years now. It’s just not that easy to give up. I love swimming, biking, and running. I get envious of people in the gym when they are lifting, and I am working. I love to move and to push myself. I like to do hard things, and 70.3 is a hard thing.

The decision to race this year was almost spur of the moment. It's not like I'm not already in shape, but I forgot how much goes into the sport. I needed a training plan, fast. I reached out to the coach I have used for the last six years, and BOOM she had me all set up in two days' time.

We use a training platform called Training Peaks. My coach uploads my program, and I execute what is pushed out to me. I have the ability to move the workouts around based on the amount of time I have in a given day. My work schedule being what it is, this is invaluable to me. I sat and moved the workouts for the week around to fit my schedule, and last Friday, got my mind right to execute week one.

My work schedule is the most unpredictable thing. I thought I was all set for a short ride and some strength on day one. Surprise, surprise, I have a packed weekend and a not-so-packed Monday. Sliding things around, we wound up with a long ride on day one. So, I tore my racing numbers from last year off my bike, pumped my tires, and off I went. Day one in the books. Looking forward to the next 16 weeks.

Remember, every small step counts, and together, we can achieve our goals. Stay inspired, stay active, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.

Stay tuned for the trials and tribulations of triathlon training.